2010 Audi A8 and 2011 Audi S8

It will soon be time for a third-generation Audi A8, and early reports are that the automaker will push a bolder, stronger styling theme with the next version, according to Car and Driver. The A8 has always been a rolling technology bed, right down to its all-aluminum body shell and aluminum space frame; this time around, the company plans to announce it with the styling.

The report said that the A8 will keep the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but an entry-level front-wheel-drive version is again possible if the market demands it; it probably depends on where fuel prices are closer to the car’s launch. At least in Europe, initial engine offerings will “likely include a 4.2-liter gasoline V-8 and a 4.2-liter V-8 turbo-diesel, both equipped with an all-new, ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic,” and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel is in the works as well. The report said that a revised MMI architecture is also under development (MMI being Audi’s more comprehensible version of BMW’s iDrive navigation and multi-information display).